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Recent Drug Bust by Pop Singer Raises Concerns

A Chinese pop singer has been detained for alleged drug-use in a nightclub in Beijing.

The public image of this entertainment celebrity is that of a responsible man whose name is generally associated with charity work.

A commentary from the 'Beijing Youth Daily' attributes such deeds to the tremendous pressures associated with the entertainment industry and the raunchy life style of its insiders.

The writer also gives the example of another singing star's drug taking who became even more popular after being detained.

The article raises the question as to whether these entertainment stars have been overwhelmingly spoiled by the public.

It says that besides winning great applause and great fortune, these people have been given many privileges by society. They should be expected to set favourable examples for the young people and fans who look up to them.

China's Auto enterprises beef up efforts to develop new energy cars

China's Auto enterprises are gearing up in the new energy industry, with half a million new-energy cars expected to hit the market each year starting from 2011. A senior official says within the next three years, the sales of new energy cars in Beijing will gradually account for five percent of the total.

The Beijing Public Transport Group has recently purchased 50 hybrid city buses from the Beiqi Foton Motor Company.

The company's spokesperson Zhao Jingguang says the hybrid buses are energy-saving and can easily switch between fuel driven and electric driven.

"These buses can save fuel by 25 percent; meanwhile, they are environmentally-friendly and can hugely cut gas emissions."

Beiqi Foton Motor Company produced China's first hybrid bus earlier in 2005. But, the doubled cost has freezed up auto companies and bus groups.

Zhao Jingguang further explains.

"A traditional bus only costs about half a million Yuan. But the hybrid one costs a million Yuan. In this way, it takes longer to turn a profit, about 3-5 years."

In February, the Central Government unveiled a long-awaited support package for the auto sector, particularly for the development of new energy cars.

According to the package, in the next three years, the central government will set aside 10 billion yuan to promote the development and use of energy-saving vehicles, such as those fueled by new energies.

Some experts point out that the stimulus package will accelerate the development of new energy cars. They hope to witness a clear effect in the near future.

Xu Heyi, CEO of the Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation is one of them.

"The new energy cars is expected to make up five percent of the car sales in the next three years."

In addition, Beijing has set up a production base for new energy vehicles that covers more than 60 hectares.

Zhangcheng, CRI News.